You're wandering through a Toronto mall and you find a sale at an electronics store. You've wanted a plasma TV for months so you rush into the store and check out the latest prices hoping to score a great deal. WOW! Look at that price! That's definitely a good deal. Or is it?

You know a little bit about plasma TVs and their pricing but nothing about this particular TV at this particular store. You've never seen this model before so you have no idea what the price normally is. Now you're stuck. You can either buy the TV on an impulse and risk getting ripped off or you can head to other stores and check out their prices. Though by doing that you might not make it back in time to take advantage of the sale. You could find an Internet connection and browse prices there but that's awfully time consuming and you need the information ASAP.

The intersection of Bay Street and College Street has changed significantly throughout Toronto's history. Currently there are several condo developments in the immediate area that will drastically alter the area once again.

On the northeast corner stands Toronto Police Headquarters. The building was completed in 1988 and also houses the Toronto Police Museum. The building occupies what was once the central YMCA. The YMCA has since moved not far north, standing on Grosvenor Street.

Image: 30 04 07 - Cuddle Party by blogTO Flickr pooler Cliph.

There's a Cuddle Party tonight! What's a Cuddle Party you ask? According to the invitation, a Cuddle Party is "safe non-sexual event/workshop to explore giving and receiving affectionate touch, like hugging, massaging, foot-rubbing, spooning, nuzzling." Essentially the party is for anyone who enjoys human touching (which is pretty much everyone, as far as I know.) The parties are meant to give people an opportunity to be physically close with others, without the pressure of social norms or sexual activity.

Almost everyone loves a hug, but in many cases it's socially awkward to hug someone you are not in a relationship with. Even many close friends are not on a "it's okay for us to hug" basis. The Cuddle Parties are also a place to "learn communication skills and boundary-setting around touch."

The holiday season is upon us. Shopping malls are filled with patrons rushing around, desperately trying to find that perfect gift. Line-ups are long. Heading online is a popular choice again this year, but even then you're faced with shipping costs, postal delays and possible taxes at the border (if shopping from the United States.) Of course, most people also have work parties, family events and other social gatherings to fit into their already busy schedules as well. At such a stressful time, it's easy to lose the spirit of the season. One way you can truly celebrate the holidays is by helping those less fortunate. Charities and non-profit organisations are always looking for donations and the holiday season is the perfect time to share.

Photo: "Calvacade of Lights" by blogTO Flickr pooler arcticlamb.

Yesterday night was the First Lighting Celebration for the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. Mayor David Miller lead the countdown as over 300,000 LED lights were turned on at City Hall, to the oohs and ahhs of the crowd on hand. Thousands of people jammed into the square to see the debut of this year's lights, skate on the freshly opened ice rink, consume a variety of delicious foods, and enjoy great musical acts from across the country. The event concluded with an amazing fireworks display.

So the City of Toronto is thinking about taxing bottled water. Well, it was, until it realised that the vast number of retailers selling bottled water would make the tax nearly impossible to collect. And, oh yeah, the tax would also likely be illegal. The City of Toronto Act does allow the city to impose its own taxes, but it prohibits sales taxes outside of alcohol, cigarettes, and entertainment. So what is the city thinking?

Yes, Toronto is faced with a severe budget shortfall but taxing WATER? I understand that many people feel bottled water is unnecessary. Some even call the bottled water trend dangerous and irresponsible. Point taken. However, I really don't see people filling up bottles at home and carrying them around with them. What happens when those bottles run empty? I don't know about you, but I don't see too many public drinking fountains on the streets of Toronto. Would we have to resort to sticking bottles in the Dundas Square fountains?